CIOG donates $1.5M in relief hampers

…as Human Services Ministry moves to assist vulnerable flood victims

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) has donated 300 relief hampers for Mahaicony and the Black Bush Polder areas, valued at $1.5 million as widespread flooding continues across the country.

At the handing-over of the items to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), CIOG’s Shaikh Moeen-ul-Hack expressed, “We have more than 2000 boxes of cereal and biscuits, which hopefully will be of benefit for the people who have suffered as a result of the floods and we wish to commend the CDC for their efforts in providing relief … and the Government of our country for their proactive approach in getting relief food stuff, sanitisers, et cetera, to the people of our country.”
Meanwhile, in efforts to relieve residents across Guyana who were impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry has partnered with several businesses to put together food hampers and other supplies.

Subject Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud and a team are planning to reach out to some communities, paying special attention to the elderly, children, women, and those who have been displaced by flooding.
According to a statement on Thursday, the care packages prepared for residents include children’s hampers, care and hygiene supplies for women and girls, water, cleaning supplies, and food items.
Relief efforts are slated to commence with Kwakwani, one of the severely-affected areas in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). The Ministry has partnered with AmCham along with other supporting organisations.
“We will continue to expend every effort to assist families and persons hard hit by flooding as their lives, in many cases, have been upturned and they have suffered immeasurable losses and serious damage to property and crops. It is these trying moments that must bring all Guyanese together to help and support each other,” Persaud said.
She expressed concern that while the residents may be able to receive immediate help, they would also be in need of long-term assistance since many homes have been submerged.
“Guyanese are suffering now and we are seeing how warm their hearts are, because everyone is here to help; coming together here shows we are indeed ‘One Guyana’ when we really need to be,” Permanent Secretary Shannielle Hoosein-Outar commented.
Numerous Private Sector entities have contributed to the cause.
Meanwhile, the CDC on Wednesday dispatched additional relief supplies to bolster support at the four shelters set up in Region 10. A total of 57 persons are currently being housed at the shelters set up at Kwakwani Primary School, Kwakwani Secondary School Hostel, Aroaima Nursery School and Hururu Community Centre.
The CDC said that with support from the Local Government organs, it would continue to monitor the situation and assist as needed.